11 Day Uganda Safari Adventure from Kigali
11 Day Uganda Safari Adventure from Kigali
Overview
This 11 day Uganda safari adventure from Kigali is ideal for travelers who prefer shorter drive times, are already staying in Rwanda, or find better international flight options through Kigali International Airport. With Rwanda’s gorilla permits currently at a premium price, Uganda offers a more affordable yet equally magical gorilla trekking experience.
This cross-border safari offers the best of both countries. You’ll enjoy a scenic drive from Rwanda into Uganda and explore some of Uganda’s top national parks including Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kibale Forest National Park.
Along the way you will experience golden monkey trekking, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, game drives, boat cruises, and cultural encounters. The safari ends with a relaxing stay at the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, one of the most picturesque lakes in Africa.
Safari Highlights
- Start the safari in Kigali, Rwanda and end in Entebbe, Uganda
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Batwa cultural experience in Mgahinga
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
- Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi
- Travel in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Small group safari (maximum 6 travelers)
- Solo travelers welcome with daily departures available
Trip Itinerary
You will be welcomed at Kigali International Airport or picked up from your hotel in Kigali by your professional safari guide. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a brief city tour including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving site that reflects Rwanda’s history and resilience.
After the visit, begin the scenic drive through Rwanda’s famous “Land of a Thousand Hills” toward the Chanika border where you will cross into Uganda. Stop in Kisoro town for lunch before continuing to your lodge near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Drive Time: 4–5 hours
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options
- Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro
- Lake Mutanda Resort
- Chameleon Hill Lodge
After breakfast, transfer to Mgahinga park headquarters for a briefing before heading into the bamboo forests to track the rare golden monkeys. Accompanied by a ranger guide, hike through the forest until you locate a troop.
Once found, spend one hour observing these lively and colorful primates as they leap between bamboo stems and feed in the forest.
Return to the lodge for relaxation and optional community visits in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
This morning you will take part in the Batwa cultural trail, guided by members of the Batwa community who once lived in the forest. Learn about their traditional hunting techniques, herbal medicine, storytelling, and ancient way of life.
After the experience, enjoy lunch in Kisoro before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Drive Time: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options
- Haven Lodge Rushaga
- Four Gorillas Lodge
- Buhoma Lodge
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your gorilla trekking adventure. Accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers, hike through the dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family.
Once located, you will spend one magical hour observing the gorillas as they feed, groom, and interact within their natural environment.
After the trek, return to the lodge to relax and celebrate your unforgettable experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 3
After breakfast, depart Bwindi and travel to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its famous tree-climbing lions.
Enjoy lunch at your lodge followed by an afternoon game drive where you may spot lions resting in fig trees, as well as elephants, buffaloes, topis, and antelopes.
Drive Time: 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options
- Ishasha Jungle Lodge
- Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Begin the day with a morning game drive in Ishasha before continuing north to the Mweya Peninsula in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
After lunch at your lodge, head out for an afternoon game drive across the Kasenyi Plains in search of lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda kob.
Drive Time: 2–3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options
- Elephant Hab Lodge
- Buffalo Safari Lodge
Enjoy an early morning game drive when wildlife is most active. Later in the afternoon, take a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George.
This cruise provides excellent opportunities to observe hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous bird species.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge
After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and drive toward Kibale Forest National Park, widely known as the primate capital of East Africa.
Stop for lunch in Fort Portal before continuing to your lodge near the forest where you will spend the evening relaxing.
Drive Time: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options
- Turaco Treetops
- Chimpanzee Forest Guest House
- Primate Lodge Kibale
After breakfast, head into Kibale Forest with a ranger guide to track chimpanzees. Listen for their calls echoing through the forest as you search for one of the habituated groups.
Once located, spend an hour observing their fascinating behaviors including feeding, grooming, and social interaction.
In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature walk through this community conservation area known for birdlife and additional primates.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 8
After breakfast, depart Kibale and drive south toward the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi. Known as the “Switzerland of Africa,” this stunning lake is surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with 29 islands.
Check into your lakeside lodge and enjoy a relaxing afternoon with optional activities such as canoeing, swimming, or birdwatching.
Drive Time: 6–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options
- Birdnest Resort Bunyonyi
- Arcadia Cottages Bunyonyi
Enjoy a peaceful morning canoe ride across Lake Bunyonyi, visiting some of the islands including the historic Punishment Island. Alternatively, take a scenic hike in the surrounding hills or visit a local community.
After lunch, begin your journey back across the border into Rwanda and continue to Kigali for your departure flight or hotel drop-off.
Drive Time: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Tour Inclusions
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Golden monkey trekking permit
- Park entrance fees
- Accommodation as listed in the itinerary
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Airport transfers
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
Tour Exclusions
- International flights
- Uganda and Rwanda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs and laundry
- Alcoholic and soft drinks not included in meals
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Accommodation before or after the safari (can be arranged on request)
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